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On the evening of Dec. 26, special operations members of the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department took advantage of the ice that has been formed by the constant frigid temperatures to conduct training for several different ice rescue scenarios on a large pond on Robert E. Lee Drive in Natural Bridge Station. These types of conditions are seldom faced but require specialized equipment and training, said Chief John Hill. This gave them valuable experience in those situations, he said. ABOVE, Lt. Sheldon Snead and firefighter Ethan Hill “rescue” Deputy Chief John Ellington. AT RIGHT is an up-close photo of Snead with Ellington. (photos courtesy of the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department)

On Nov. 19, 13 students from Waddell Elementary, Lylburn Downing Middle, and Rockbridge County High schools participated in the Star City Challenge regional chess tournament, sponsored by the Roanoke City Schools.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Jade Harris is running for state delegate for House District 24 in a special election Jan. 10.

Editor, The News-Gazette: There is a lot of bad news these days. It is hard not to feel discouraged, But that is only part of the picture. Having lived a long life, I have the advantage of noticing how much progress has been made and how far we have come in our democratic experiment. Like all Southerners of a certain age, I attended racially segregated schools and lived in a society legally divided by race. As a young female attorney, I was denied employment because of my gender. Such discrimination was legal. Elected officials, decision makers and institutional leaders were almost exclusively white men.

Editor, The News-Gazette: The editorial calling for redesign of the Spotswood project is the right action.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Thank you for presenting your views on the Echelon project in the Dec. 28 edition of The News-Gazette. I completely agree with your suggestion to City Council to revisit the current Echelon plans. A rendering that would more closely resemble the Spotswood Collaborative proposal would be more appropriate to the site and needs of Lexington. City Council will then have a more complete view of what is needed for Lexington regarding the number of units, the architectural aesthetics and the traffic patterns created by this project.

Editor, The News-Gazette: I totally agree with the opinion offered about the proposed ugly and tasteless building planned for Lexington. I agree with Jacke Rose Boston. My husband and I have friends in Lexington and we have visited the area almost every year with hope of living there some day in the future. The design of this building has no aesthetic appeal and due to the squareness of the design is cheaper to build, which is likely the reason for the decision for the proposed “modern” design. It would be strongly recommended to keep new buildings proposed for Lexington in keeping with the traditional designs of homes and businesses in the community.

Editor, The News-Gazette: The candidate who cares about everyone in our communities is the right choice for us all in the election for Virginia state House of Delegates, and that candidate is Jade Harris.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Delegate Ronnie Campbell was first a member of our House of Delegates in 2018. He became a successful conservative member until his recent death. His wife, Ellen Campbell, is well qualified with well above average background in politics to replace Ronnie in Richmond.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Jade Harris, a candidate running for the Virginia 24th District House of Delegates, is a cause for celebration. Jade brings a much needed fresh perspective to the table. She has the education, political experience and deep roots in this area to help her make valuable connections and understand the challenges of those depending on her to represent them.

Editor, The News-Gazette: I write in hearty support of Glasgow resident Jade Harris as a candidate to be the 24th District Delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates.

Editor, The News-Gazette: I write today in strong support of Jade Harris, the Democratic nominee to fill the 24th District seat in the House of Delegates left vacant by the recent death of Ronnie Campbell.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Another election is quite suddenly upon us. Although many mourn the passing of Ronnie Campbell, the rapid setting of the date for a special election, means we must focus our thoughts on moving forward.

Editor, The News-Gazette: Ellen Campbell is the clear choice to fill the unexpired term for the 24th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. During her husband Ronnie’s tenure as our delegate, Ellen was closely involved and acquainted with the duties of the General Assembly. She is ready to continue Ronnie’s legacy to serve the 24th District with honor and integrity. She will protect our freedoms and continue to support small businesses, parents’ rights in their children’s education and our law enforcement officers.

Editor, The News-Gazette: In reference to Gladys Hopkin’s letter to the editor on Dec. 28, I would like to respond with the following: I can certainly appreciate her exasperations with regard to an alleged misrepresentation with regard to Sheetz. However, I would really appreciate a response from anyone in Lexington regarding my frustration. Why is it that a host of Lexingtonians can’t resist the urge to take a shot at Buena Vista?

Editor, The News-Gazette: On Thursday, City Council will consider a request from Councilor/Washington and Lee University spouse Leslie Straughan, which would narrow the city’s code of ethics, adopted in 2015. She would eliminate use of the phrase “appearance of a conflict of interest,” which is fundamental to the concept of ethics and public trust, as well as the language “in which they have a material interest.” Her request no doubt stems from the need for recusals during the Council vote that affected W&L’s master plan last spring.

The Rockbridge County High School girls basketball team dropped a pair of nondistrict games last week, falling at home against James River 43-40 on Tuesday afternoon before suffering a 47-32 road loss to Hidden Valley on Friday afternoon.

Led by senior co-captain Brice Hall’s runner-up finish, the Rockbridge County High School wrestling team placed 17th of 33 teams in the Southmoreland Holiday Classic on Tuesday and Wednesday at Southmoreland High School in Pennsylvania.

RC Boys Conclude 2022 With Third Straight Triumph

The Rockbridge Piecemakers Quilt Guild will meet Saturday, Jan. 14, at 9:30 a.m. at the RARA/Piovano building at 350 Spotswood Drive.

Kicking off 2023, La Leche League will host its first meeting of the year at 10 a.m. Jan 10 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 47 Village Way.